Jeffrey’s heavy breathing finally slowed as he paced in the clearing, his hands on his knees, trying to compose himself. The last few minutes had been a whirlwind of confusion, guilt, and intense emotion. His mind was racing, replaying the scene that had just unfolded, and how close he’d come to making an irreversible mistake.
Gavin stood a few feet away, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. He didn’t say anything for a while, giving Jeffrey the time he needed to gather himself. But Gavin’s eyes never left his brother—there was a protective, vigilant energy about him, like a guard dog waiting for a sign that his presence was still needed.
Jeffrey eventually stopped pacing and straightened up, rubbing a hand across his face. He looked utterly drained, like the weight of the world
